Freddie Freeman felt his mom’s presence when hitting a home run on the anniversary of her passing

Wednesday was the 18th anniversary of her death.

Braves standout Freddie Freeman had a great game on Wednesday against the Mets. He hit a solo home run to help life his team to a 2-0 victory over the struggling New York team. But it wasn’t just what he did on Wednesday that made it a special day, it was the specific day on which he did it.

Freeman lost his mother to skin cancer 18 years ago, so there’s a reason this home run felt particularly special when compared to the dozen others he’s hit so far this season. He said of the homer,

“I hit that really high. I know I hit it good, but I think she pulled that one over for me.”

He’s hit a home run on June 13th for each of the last three seasons, but it’s clear this one stood out over those others in the moment. Freeman noted that it’s a tough day for him each year, as can be expected, and he said he felt like this particular anniversary stood out as far as his performance on the field.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever done well on this day. It’s hard to keep my emotions in check. We lost her way too young.”

Losing a parent is awful, and there’s no perfect way to remember them or honor them on the anniversary of their passing. Freeman being able to feel her with him as he hit yet another home run on what is a sad date for him and his family is a lovely thing for him to be able to experience.